avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

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A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival

KERPLUNK, SPLASH!

Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's chilly waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you.

If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. When not helping people, the turtles are going around and hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals or pushing personal items to the beach near the new arrivals they smell like (belong to). If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly.

B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot

Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** to everyone before getting them settled in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and give them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go.

These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service,

avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk.

C ⦿ The Red Spring

The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies.

If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out!

The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there.

Everyone needs a little fun from time to time; the locals have put together the annual Snow Games. As with all things Avalonians plan, magic plays a part in the competition. There will be three separate tiers for characters to enter. Each Tier will have its predetermined track or ring, set up and ready to go.

A ⦿ Foot Races

three-legged race

B ⦿ Sled Races

magically driven sleds

C ⦿ Snow Chicken

Snow Chicken, Magic Vs Yeti Style... This competition will differ from the previous two; it is not a race to the finish line but instead a competition to be the last team standing! Participants will pair off and one person will climb on the shoulders of the other and try to wrestle their opponents off without getting knocked off themselves. The field is full of snow, with more coming from the sky. Your opponents will be Yeti. Try to stay on, Yeti are no slouches so teams will have to work together using their magic not only to stay put but to knock your big-footed opponents to the ground.

Just... be wary, these friendly yeti are surprisingly big on hugging as a form of congratulations. It's much more challenging to escape from a yeti's embrace than it is to knock one over.

Trumpets hail an announcement by the town crier in front of the castle. More than a few people pull out their phones to record it and post it to the AOL network for all to see.

"Hear ye, hear ye! Our noblest of lords, King Arthur of Camelot, will host a tournament on this January the 20th on castle grounds. All are welcome to participate in competitions to determine those most skilled in both the physical and magical arts. In preparation for the upcoming tournament, we are sending envoys to Celliwig. In Celliwig lies the Magic Mirror of the South, gifted to Camelot by the Fae, and a means to communicate with their royal court at will. It is a vastly important task in your journey to become magicians and to show your good will toward the fairies. Parts of the mirror's frame have been damaged. We will need those brave of soul and pure of heart to retrieve the crystals needed to repair the mirror. Those interested, the party leaves at dawn."

A ⦿ Brave of Soul

The first stop on the trip to restore Celliwig's Mirror is to a cave just north of Albion's White Cliffs. No longer a part of the cliffs themselves, this outcropping goes underground and to a dank, dark cave. It is the only place which a special prismatic crystal grows. The crystal itself is hidden deep in the cave, which can only be passed by passing into a zone in which magic cannot be used. Characters will enter the cave and must face an illusion of one of their greatest fears. Those frozen in fear will pass out and wake up outside of the cave with no crystal. Those who run will find themselves turned out of the cave as well. Only those who recognize and face that fear deep in their soul will find the path forward. The fear will turn into a small light spirit, which will smile and reveal to them the crystals they seek.

B ⦿ Pure of Heart

The second stop is past a shanty town and at the bridge north of it. The bridge itself is broken, only the ends in existence. The water itself is impassible, white rapids sweeping away anything that steps into it. Silver crystals are on the other side of the bridge, visible in an outcropping from where they are, but it appears there is no way around as magic does not work on the bridge. The only clue as to how to get across is a plaque in the dirt before the bridge.

"The pure of heart will form the bridge with a leap of faith."

Since everyone has gone as a group, it will be possible to see others walking over the water once one person figures it out. Though the clue may seem challenging, it is quite straight-forward. Characters who are pure of heart will find that if they believe in themselves, they will be able to step off the bridge and hardlight will form beneath their feet to allow them to step over the water. Those with ill intentions or those who are willing to harm others to get their way will slip into the rapid waters and may need to be saved by other characters. At least you're off the bridge, so magic will work to that end.

C ⦿ Celliwig, the Splendored Court

As the travelers leave the bridge, they turn toward the shanty town-- wood shacks and failing farms. Not a place anyone would want to visit. Those who try to run ahead will find that it disappears as if an illusion, and they will find nothing. Those who stick with the party will wait a fair distance away until the sun sets. Once the sun begins to fall beyond the horizon, the small town will begin to shimmer brilliant whites and colors-- a glamour hiding its true glory, a city made solely of crystals and glass: Celliwig, the Splendored Court. Though smaller than Camelot, every part of the city is beautiful and glistening. The population is small and it's very quiet and serene for a city. The people of the city don't seem keen on speaking to outsiders, and will typically scatter before anyone can really engage them. They seem humanoid in nature, but not entirely human. Even the animals around the city seem to be ethereal in nature, gliding more than walking.

The party is led to a hall at the center of the city-- the hall of mirrors. Those who have succeeded in obtaining crystals need to bring them and set them on a table placed before a mirror at the end of the hall, which appears to have a number of empty settings. It's unclear what happened to the mirror previously, but now it's necessary to restore it to garner the favor of the fae.

Once crystals have been delivered, people will be free to explore the quiet city, but it seems most of the city is closing shop while the visitors are around. There is a restaurant that will serve visitors food, though all of the dishes are of the molecular gastronomy variety. Alcoholic drinks seem to come in vapor form and flashes of light if ordered, but seem effective nonetheless. The local general store seems to be willing to sell supplies to weary travelers as well, but that's about it.

...That said the inn doesn't seem particularly keen on allowing visitors in strangely, so you're either going to be sleeping on the iridescent streets or camping just outside the city if you prefer the soft grass and the darkness of night. Just be aware, if you leave, you won't be able to get back into this mysterious city so easily.

MOD NOTES:
• All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post.
• If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities.
• If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt.
• Note that the third prompt in this TDM will have consequences on the game's progression. After the application round, a poll will be put up to see how many characters who are in the game, both new and old, are able to obtain the crystals from the Brave of Soul and Pure of Heart prompts.
• The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but may contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly.
• Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

*This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count.
**Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Both were true in equal parts. He does stand out, a flame himself, but that's just it. Not one ounce of chill to dampen. Not surprising how he's grasped it, then, though it's all the more reason to challenge, chase him, surpass him on his own.

Bakugou's strong, but he's inspired.]

Yeah. [With muted admiration,] You're good at this.

[Now how to go about it? Casual Bakugou-observer, he thinks "aggression" first, then force, stemmed from bursts of irritation. It's possible, isn't it? For him too? Bakugou's way seems more productive, more than sitting a little quiet-like. That in mind, he'll stretch on rising, lift his eyes, mechanically flexing fingers.]

I'm trying again. [Focused, now! Two hands and opened palms, takes his aim at air in front. This time, there's added push, but only misty, cold-white vapors there.

A long way to go.]

[ And now that he's grasped it, he'll stop being shouty for a few minutes to work out how he's managed to do it. Despite his nature and how he puts himself out there, Katsuki is no less of a nerd and someone that actually does try to learn. It's not mediation, but a moment to reflect upon how it felt and how he can do it again. ]

I don't need you to rub my ego.

[ Again - trying to be a little more approachable rather than just going on the defensive. Praise still is embarrassing at this point. He could have just snapped with a "well of fucking course I am" but that would just be boastful. There's no way that he could be "good at this." Not yet. It's too new.

But he'll watch Todoroki anyway, looking at his own hands. Calling forth fire isn't so different than his explosions at the heart of it... Though it does seem that the other teen is struggling a bit? ]

Don't think anger is gonna be the thing that triggers your ice, dipshit.

[ Or... ]

Are you even sure it's elemental magic you've got?

I'm not. ["Dipshit's" new, and he's absorbed it. His flattery's meant as fact, but boy who speaks his mind can't be fussed to hide his thoughts. He states the obvious often, earnest enough and unpretentious. Honest, Shoto, even now. So Bakugou's latched to "something", and it's useful, and he wants it. But could anyone understand? Ice was his, a shield, his mother's, someone's warmth despite its cold, and he's keen to earn that back.

Loss of flame feels less... disturbing.

A complicated thing.]

It has to be. [Beneath the calm, he's hotly stubborn. And, having formed the worst idea, sees his only way of grasping things.

He (they?) need to be away from here.]

Can I- [Still a little hesitant,] borrow you for a moment?

[Please, Bakugou?]

[ Bakugou's baffled by Todoroki on and off. There are moments where the guy says the deepest things and carry an understanding that just shows how clever he can actually. Then the guy has to say something just completely oblivious and just so far from the point that it just throws Bakugou off and irritates him to no end.

Though it must be nice to be able to say exactly what's on one's mind. ]

It's not like it has to be shit.

[ Nearly everyone in their class is stubborn. It's fine though annoying at times. Bakugou doesn't even have to guess about the question that comes next. He just has to debate with himself about whether he wants to be "borrowed" or not.

Tch. ]

What the hell. Might as well.

[ Because if it's for what he thinks it is... Well it will benefit him too. ]

[It is likely, probably, very much what it's seemed, and for him, approaching reckless. But honestly, what was left? Offered boundless new potential, ice in his mind's the most important. Truth be told, it's how he's known. His flame's a separate beast, but, landing without his Quirk, feeling it snatched away, discarded, all he'd pushed so hard to accept, isn't acceptable, so it's this. Left to sparring, fighting, violence.

He's used to nursing bruises. Pain and injury, he could handle, having (most) things battled out of him for "his" or someone else's sake. It's different from before, at least. Though now the choice is his, and it's that that he'll believe, since someone's told him "have some faith". Besides. His faith's in Bakugou, too.

I trust you not to kill me. What he says without his words, to the edge, but never over.

Up to Bakugou how far it'd go.

Once he's walked a little distance, his serious-eyed expression, the stance he's sliding into, should hopefully seem familiar. He wants to, and he doesn't, though it's all he's thought to do.] I need a favor. [Straight to the point now.] I don't know what brings things out, but... if it's fine, the first one's yours.

[They're teammates, right? A little? He's calm.]

Let's see you do it again.

[ In a way, Todoroki had "helped" Bakugou too. Rather, the guy inviting him along over the winter had actually done a lot for the blonde. Watching the Todoroki household dynamics coupled with Endeavor's behavior had... Well it had done something to Bakugou as well. If a guy like the #1 Hero could "lower" himself to try to rectify his mistakes? Well then Katsuki can as well.

So he will. Now he won't be as obnoxious about it as Todoroki's father, but he will move forward. Katsuki can only do this in baby steps right now. Subtle rather than overt ways in how his behavior and mannerisms can change. The first had been the realization that he does need to work with others. Then the second? That had been agreeing to help Deku train his other Quirks. ]

It's fine, huh? Tch. Like anyone else would be able to actually do it first. [ His arrogance isn't going to go anywhere for a while though. ] So it's training then. For the both of us.

[ So maybe the next step that he takes is also, augh, helping out the others too. One thing at a time, right? So Katsuki holds up his hand. Focuses on the feeling that he had held onto when the fire first started up. It takes a few moments, but sure enough the flame will spark back to life. ]

Tch. Just like relearning your Quirk.

You're always at the top, right?

[Bakugou's—for all he's a brat—not the only one who's made mistakes. It's proof that humans change, and hearts evolved from sprouting seeds. Shoto's, too, though slow to recover, made of poorly bandaged stitching. But things exist in mind he isn't as swift to turn his back on.

Nagging thoughts for later. Right now, he's attentive. Student watching curious student conjure pure, obtainable magic.

Bakugou's flames ignite, and other boy, in disbelief, looking on at him in wonder, can't help but seem impressed. It's all too mysterious. A different show of strength than Quirks. Like will, or cool resolve. Either way, a lot to absorb. It's barely breached his thoughts that maybe Bakugou's promised teamwork, though "for both of us" brings up hope.

It helps. Shoto's grateful.

He readies himself for something. Breathes out blooming tensions.] I'm counting on that. ["On you", goes unspoken.

Whatever the force encountered, he'll raise his ice against it.

He's sure of it now.] Just attack me when you're ready.

Tch. You know it.

[ Again, Bakugou is actually just as studious and analytical as the shitty nerd is. He has been able to pick up and adapt new techniques for his Quirk just by watching others. It shouldn't come as a surprise that he can figure this out somewhat quickly. All he has to do is think about the source. If one replaces the genetic component and thinks of it as a magical one instead... Is it really all that different.

He'll have to test this fire to see with width and breadth of what he can so. So in that respect, Todoroki is right to start this out with training.

Of course he'll start without warning. Just launch what he hopes is a fireball right at Todoroki's face. ]

[That's no "trick" the blond's discovered. Like fists, his first comes sudden—blinding light, at close range. As heat suggests, it's real, and response comes just as swift, as if swatting something solid. The motion's more reflexive; sudden burst of fire seeming larger once dispersed. Though as for why it's happened, its cause is still clouded.

Beyond that, reading eyes and how he's moved, Shoto studies the boy like text. He's made it seem organic, and while it's Bakugou, after all, he'll need to focus sharply, considering how he's tried for ice.

With cloud of embers dispelled, there's only slow confusion. Smoky mists remaining, still.]

It's similar to before...

[How Bakugou's reached as far, absent words or invocation, with how he's sent his flames like air... he means to watch closely.

He'll try again, harder.]

Just keep going.

Edited 2021-01-14 14:43 (UTC)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 3

slow and steady!

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that moment when you thought you replied

No worries!

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